Project Accountant in Fargo, North Dakota at Johnson Laffen Galloway Architects

The Project Accountant is responsible for the financial analysis, reporting and administration of projects across their full lifecycle. This role is the key financial representative and advisor for project teams, partnering closely with Studio Leaders and Project Managers to independently interpret financial results, evaluate budgets and project performance, and provide financial performance recommendations to support financial and operational decisions that keep projects and studios aligned with the firm’s financial and operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Studio Leaders and Project Management at project startup to establish and capture project budgets, resource structures, cost codes, and related accounting setup requirements.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate project financial performance, including labor hours, expenses, utilization, and profitability, throughout project lifecycles to support accurate and timely and reporting and budget adherence.
• Identify, evaluate, and communicate financial variances, trends, risks and opportunities; provide recommendations to support project profitability, budget adherence, cash flow and organizational goals.
• Maintain accurate project financial records, including contracts, change orders, fee schedules, and supporting documentation, to ensure compliance with contractual and internal requirements.
• Prepare, analyze, and review project operating reports, including billing goals, revenue targets, project forecasts, and other key financial performance indicators, providing financial implications and recommended actions to project and studio leadership.
• Analyze and monitor project cost activity, including labor, expenses and consultant costs to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Serve as a financial resource and advisor to Studio Leaders and Project Managers by interpreting financial data and providing recommendations related to project budgets, staffing, fee utilization, billing and forecasts.
• Monitor and analyze unbilled fees, work-in-progress, and accounts receivable balances; evaluate billing and collection risks and collaborate with project and studio leadership to develop resolution strategies.
• Oversee the invoicing process for assigned projects, identifying and evaluating billing issues, and providing recommendations and resolution strategies aligned with contractual terms and project financial data.
• Analyze and support monthly close activities, project revenue recognition, reconciliations, firmwide reporting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Identify, recommend and support improvements to project accounting procedures, reporting tools, internal controls, and financial processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of an Associate’s degree and/or relevant experience.
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience in accounting, bookkeeping, and/or project management.
• Proficient understanding of general accounting principles and processes.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Strong ability to maintain a high level of integrity, accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Proficient understanding of financial data analysis.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in ERP systems, Unanet preferred.
• Project-based accounting or billing experience preferred.
• Prior Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry experience preferred.

Locations

• Fargo, ND
• Grand Forks, ND
• Williston, ND
• Bismarck, ND

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k with employer match, employee ownership opportunities through ESOP, and performance-based bonuses. Compensation for this role is determined based on location, experience, and skills.